Technology and you: Staying protected while always connected

We live in a connected world. We wake up and the first thing we do is check our social media feeds and the weather. If we take the bus to work, we can pull out our tablets to read the news, or pick up where we left off with our favorite Netflix show. If we drive to work, we have Bluetooth enabled so that we can listen to a podcast or two during the commute. The first thing we do when we get into our office is boot up our laptop and check emails. Gone are the days where smartphones, tablets and laptops act independently of each other.

Today’s devices talk to and interact with one another, all with the intention of delivering a personalized experience. Our online self is an extension of our physical self. However, with more devices, comes more risk. According to a Consumer Reports survey, 34 percent of all smartphone owners do nothing to protect their device. Since we are constantly connected, it is important that all of us become educated on cybersecurity and have a strong understanding of how to keep our devices and data safe.

In light of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the following question needs to be answered: How do you keep your information safe, while also staying connected to and active on your networks:

• Be careful with what you share and when you share it.
• Use real world common sense in the online world.
• Know what networks you should avoid.

The What and When of Sharing

Whether it was a toy car or a doll, we were born with the innate ability to share with others. As we mature, we find ourselves constantly sharing in a slightly different way. When it comes to cybersecurity however, sharing does not necessarily equate to caring.

When traveling, we want to keep others updated by checking-in, tweeting, snapping, etc. during our entire trip. However, this social media activity can put your information and yourself at risk. When thinking about what and when to post consider the following questions:

• Does this post clearly indicate that I am away from home?
  • Will criminals know that my house is currently unoccupied?
• Does this show my exact location?
• Do my social media profiles contain too much information?
  • Common security questions include "Mother’s Maiden Name" and "Birth City" -- things that can be clearly found on almost any Facebook page.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Use Real World Common Sense in the Online World

When using different devices consider the following points:

• Passwords
  • These should not include your name, address, or anything that could be easily obtained from your social media profiles.
  • Add complex characters and create passphrases ("This is my password" could be Th1sI$MYP@sSwRd).
  • Do not have one password for everything -- If you do, as soon as hackers obtain it, they can have access to your bank information, email, and all other accounts.
• Virus protection
  • You would not leave your door unlocked when you go on vacation, so do not leave your device easily accessible to cyber criminals.
    • According to Verizon, two-thirds of breaches start with a phishing email. Make sure all of your devices are safeguarded with the latest virus protection software.
  • Logistics
    • If someone approached you on the street and said they had a package for you, you would not accept it. When you receive an email saying the same, ask yourself if this is authentic and always take real world precautions.
  • If anything feels or looks fishy -- do not risk it
    • If you are in doubt, take the extra time to confirm directly with the company.
      

Know What Networks You Should Avoid

It is inevitable that you will want to use open Internet while going about your day, but be sure to think before you connect.

• Public Wi-Fi is not secure or private -- do not go on any financial sites and/or input personal information
• When possible, use direct web access on your phone via a cellular data connection

Technology is a wonderful innovation and we are constantly using it to help us with our day-to-day jobs. Even though being constantly connected to our devices presents great security risks, if you avoid over-sharing, use real world commonsense and know what networks you should avoid, you will be three steps closer to keeping your data and devices safe.

Image credit: Brilliant Eye/Shutterstock

Patrick Peterson is Agari's CEO and visionary leader and a pioneer in the email business. He joined IronPort Systems in 2000 and defined IronPort's email security appliances. He invented IronPort's SenderBase, the industry's first reputation service. In 2008, after Cisco's acquisition of IronPort, Patrick became one of 13 Cisco Fellows, where he led breakthrough cybercrime research focused on "follow-the-money" investigations into spam, scareware sypware, web exploits, and data theft.